There is no denying the epic landscapes of Tucson, AZ are a meccas for serious outdoor adventurers.
Tucson is flanked on both sides by Saguaro National Park (East and West districts), offering some of the most iconic saguaro-studded treks in the US.
Tucson’s sunny, dry climate and easy access to thousands of climbs make it a hub for rock climbing. One of the top destinations is Mt. Lemmon in Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains. Rising more than 9,000 feet above the Sonoran Desert, Mt. Lemmon has more than 2,700 climbing routes, ranging from single-pitch clip-ups to multi-pitch traditional routes. The mountain’s steep, craggy walls are ideal for gravity-defying thrills at the end of a rope.
Mountain bikers adore the five mountain ranges that surround Tucson. The trails at Sweetwater Preserve that border Saguaro National Park West can satisfy both beginners who want a bit of a challenge or experienced riders who are looking for a more relaxed day in the saddle. Mt Lemmon offers multiple steep, technical trails and the challenge of higher altitudes.
For riders who prefer to stay on pavement the Chuck Hucklebury Loop is an ongoing project of more than 100 car-free miles of trails around Tucson.
Tucson has cemented itself as one of the top cycling destinations.
